Originating from both Chicago and Lagos, Dreamer Isioma is elevating their sound and artistic vision with their third album, ‘StarX Lover’. The concept for this project began in their parents' basement more than five years ago, during which Dreamer has been refining their unique sound throughout their career. As a trans African alternative artist, Dreamer has inspired many since the release of their 2020 hit ‘Sensitive’; their art embodies a blend of experiences, music, and culture that resonate with numerous queer individuals from the diaspora.
Dreamer Isioma draws inspiration from early Afrofuturists like Sun Ra and Parliament Funkadelic. They advocate for the “Afropop rock” movement not only in sound but also in ideology; it’s a blended sound that reflects their growth and aspirations for a more inclusive future. “It’s the notion that not every piece of music from Africa or Nigeria is Afrobeats or Afropop. We can create alternative music. Rock music was pioneered by Black people,” Isioma explains.
At its essence, ‘StarX Lover’ is a movement expressed through Dreamer Isioma’s most energetic tracks to date. This project reconnects with the roots of Africana symbolism, the heritage of Black individuals in the underground alt-rock and grunge scenes, and the idea of music as a vehicle for freedom and rebellion. Opening the album, ‘This is Not a Song’ awakens listeners who may have overlooked the world’s current state. Following that, Dreamer delves into both internal and external battles; they take us on a journey through space, illuminating every aspect of the ‘StarX Lover’ universe.
CLASH spoke with Dreamer Isioma about the immersive experience of ‘StarX Lover’, their fusion of local and diasporic sounds with Black futurism conventions, the complexities of their relationship with a country and continent that struggles with queerness, and how their Afropop rock sound represents their truest self yet.
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What inspired the name ‘StarX Lover’? When did work on it begin?
The name emerged from life experiences. To me, a star-crossed lover refers to two people drawn to each other, but the timing isn't right. The universe offered me numerous chances, yet it wasn’t the appropriate moment to embrace them. In my romantic life, there have been relationships where the timing for commitment just wasn't aligned. Since I envisioned this world as existing beyond Earth, I wanted to honor that theme and maintain my astrological connection. The character I embody throughout the album is named X. So, I thought ‘StarX Lover’ was a captivating title. What was your second question again?
How long have you been developing this project? It seems like a culmination of your previous works...
It’s been a long time coming. The leading single from the album, ‘I Am Going Through Hell (Bittersweet)’, is actually five years old. I penned that song in my parents’ basement during my teenage years. So, this has been in the making for quite a while. I initially aimed to release ‘Goodnight Dreamer’, ‘Princess Forever’, and ‘StarX Lover’ all in one year because I was overly ambitious! But, of course, things require time and patience. I created these three albums simultaneously, but ‘StarX Lover’ was the hardest to complete due to its themes and production quality; it's more advanced than my earlier works.
I can definitely hear that evolution. Regarding production, it’s primarily your work, but with contributions from your band The Celestials. Which song from the album are you most proud of having produced and engineered?
I’m particularly proud of the instrumentals for ‘Did You Ever Care’ and the upcoming track ‘Bittersweet’. Both turned out beautifully, and I dedicated a lot of effort to them. I also heavily contributed to ‘Dead End’. But ‘Did You Ever Care’ is the one I cherish most.
How did you form The Celestials? Did you know everyone in Chicago already?
Yes, we’re all Chicago natives. We were just friends, and I brought us together—it’s really that simple. I wasn’t setting out to form a band; I just wanted some people to collaborate with. We spent every day together for months, and now it’s years later. I love being around them because I don’t feel the need to be anyone else; I can genuinely be myself, and I believe they feel the same. We can fully embrace our true selves in each other's presence.
Can you elaborate on your Afropop rock sound? What does it involve and represent?
I’m trying to convey that not every African artist produces music like Wizkid or Rema, who I deeply respect and consider among my favorites. However, it’s important to recognize that not all music from Africa or Nigeria is Afrobeats or Afropop. We can create alternative music. After all, Black people were instrumental in the inception of
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Originating from Chicago and Lagos, Dreamer Isioma is elevating their sound and artistic vision with the release of their third album, 'StarX Lover.'